Aqueous cosmetic composition comprising porous silica particles and at least one humectant

ABSTRACT

An aqueous composition for the skin, comprising porous silica particles having an oil absorption capacity of at least four times by weight their own weight, at least one humectant, and at least 20% water, wherein the porous silica particles and the at least one humectant are present in a combined amount effective to provide moisturization and oil absorption to the skin. Also, a method for providing moisturization and oil absorption to skin by applying the inventive composition to the skin.

The present invention relates to an aqueous composition for skin,wherein the composition contains porous silica particles having an oilabsorption capacity of at least four times by weight their own weightand at least one humectant, and at least 20% water, and wherein theporous silica particles and the at least one humectant are present inthe composition in a combined amount effective to both moisturize andabsorb excess oil from the skin. The invention also relates to methodsfor providing moisturization and oil absorption to the skin by applyingto the skin the compositions of the invention.

Silica shells are known in the art and may, for example, be hollowellipsoids of silica with a large surface area, high porosity, low bulkdensity, and high absorption capacity, e.g., up to seven times their ownweight. Suitable silica shells are sold, for example, by Kobo Productsunder the name Silica Shells.

The integrity of the film formed when a composition containing silicashells is applied to the skin may be maintained because the film is notlikely to be disrupted, i.e., neither perspiration nor oil are likely todisrupt the film. This allows for a long-lasting “finish” and anon-greasy feeling on the skin. Thus, silica shells may be used in anoil control system.

Silica shells for use in an oil control system may, for example,initially contain at least one volatile material, such as water, whichevaporates after application onto a substrate, such as the skin, leavingspace available within the shells to absorb oils such as, for example,sebum. However, the silica shells may also wick away moisture from theskin, for example, by absorbing perspiration and releasing it as vapor.In many applications, absorption of oil, if not balanced with amoisturizing effect, results in the skin becoming tight anduncomfortable.

However, the present inventors have discovered that the combination ofporous silica particles and at least one humectant in an aqueouscomposition may both moisturize skin and absorb oil on skin.Accordingly, the present invention, in one embodiment, is drawn to anaqueous composition comprising porous silica particles and at least onehumectant in a combined amount effective to provide both moisturizationand oil absorption to the skin. The invention is also drawn to methodsfor providing moisturization and oil absorption to the skin by applyingthe inventive compositions.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory onlyand are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. Reference will nowbe made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

As used herein, “at least one” means one or more and thus includesindividual components as well as mixtures/combinations. Further, as usedherein, “skin” is meant to comprise facial skin, skin on the body, scalpand lips.

As defined herein, “porous silica particles” refer to silica particleshaving an oil absorption capacity of at least four times by weight theirown weight, such as, for example, at least five times by weight theirown weight, at least six times by weight their own weight, and at leastseven times by weight their own weight. The porosity of the silicaparticles ensures that the oil is adsorbed and/or absorbed at at leastone location chosen from within the pores of the silica particles,within the interior of hollow silica particles, and between theindividual silica particles.

The skilled artisan may determine by routine experimentation the oilabsorption of porous silica particles. For example, the oil absorptionof silica shells sold by Kobo is tested by weighing a specific amount,e.g., 1 g, of thoroughly mixed and air dried silica shells and placingthe shells on a smooth glass plate. A dropping bottle containing linseedoil along with a pipette and rubber bulb are weighed to 0.1 g. Linseedoil is then added gradually and dropwise to the silica shells. After theaddition of each drop, the oil and the silica are thoroughly mixed byrubbing with a sharp-edged spatula having a blade ranging from 0.5inches to 0.75 inches. The test is complete when exactly enough oil hasbeen incorporated with the silica shells to produce a very stiff,putty-like paste that does not break or separate. The dropping bottlecontaining linseed oil along with a pipette and rubber bulb are thenweighed again to 0.1 g. The final weight of the bottle, oil, pipette andrubber bulb is subtracted from the initial weight thereof to determinethe weight of oil absorbed by the silica shells. The oil absorptioncapacity of the silica shells is the ratio of the weight of the oilabsorbed over the initial weight of the silica shells, in terms of unitof weight silica shell per unit of weight oil. Accordingly, one ofordinary skill in the art will recognize that the oil absorption of theporous silica particles will depend on the method and the oil used, suchas linseed oil (boiled or raw) or mineral oil.

As used herein, the “silica particles” includes silica particles of anycolor, shape, and size, such as coated and uncoated silica shells,coated and uncoated silica spheres (including microspheres), and coatedand uncoated silica particles.

Porous silica particles suitable for use in the present invention ismicroporous silica particles have an oil absorption capacity of at leastfour times by weight their own weight. A non-limiting example of poroussilica particles suitable for use in the present invention is silicashells having an oil absorption capacity of at least four times byweight their own weight.

As described above, the present invention, in certain embodiments,relates to methods and compositions for providing moisturization and oilabsorption to skin comprising porous silica particles, at least onehumectant, and at least 20% water, wherein the porous silica particlesand the at least one humectant are present in the inventive compositionsin a combined amount effective to provide moisturization and oilabsorption to the skin. In one embodiment, water is present in theaqueous composition in an amount greater than 20% by weight relative tothe total weight of said composition, such as greater than or equal to30% by weight. In one embodiment, water is present in the aqueouscomposition in an amount greater than or equal to 40% by weight relativeto the total weight of said composition, such as greater than or equalto 50% by weight. In one embodiment, water is present in the aqueouscomposition in an amount greater than or equal to 60% by weight relativeto the total weight of said composition, such as greater than or equalto 70% by weight. In one embodiment, water is present in the aqueouscomposition in an amount greater than or equal to 80% by weight relativeto the total weight of said composition, such as greater than or equalto 90% by weight.

“Oil absorption” is defined herein as reduction or elimination of oil ona substrate, such as skin. Oil absorption includes in its scope “oilcontrol,” i.e., the reduction or elimination of the amount of oil on theskin, as well as what is known in the cosmetic art as “shine control,”i.e., the reduction or elimination of the amount of oil on the skinwhere there is enough excess oil to cause untreated skin to have a“shiny” appearance.

As previously defined, oil absorption includes oil control. The abilityof a composition to provide oil control to skin is evaluated usingblotting paper. See Example 1. Further, also as previously defined, oilabsorption includes shine control.

The ability of a composition to provide shine control to skin isevaluated by measuring the gloss of skin using a gloss meter. SeeExample 2.

“Moisturizing” is defined herein as hydrating a substrate, such as theskin, and also retaining moisture in the substrate. Many types ofmoisturizers are known, such as humectants, which hydrate the skin bystabilizing the water content of a material and, in effect, “holding”water on the skin.

“Humectant,” as used herein, refers to a substance having an affinityfor water and a stabilizing action on the water content of material,i.e., promotes water retention. As used herein, “humectant” does notinclude substances which do not possess both of the above-mentionedcharacteristics.

The degree of moisturization imparted to skin may be evaluated bymeasuring the hydrating efficiency of a composition, for example, usinga Corneometer which measures the conductivity of the skin. Accordingly,the moisturization of the skin prior to and following application of thecomposition may be quantitatively measured and compared, for example,with untreated skin and/or a control composition. (See Example 2).

Any porous silica particles having an oil absorption capacity of atleast four times by weight their own weight are useful in the practiceof the invention. The porous silica particles, for example, may behollow ellipsoids of porous silica. A non-limiting example of one typeof porous silica particles are silica shells. A non-limiting example ofone type of silica shells useful in the present invention is thatavailable from Kobo Products. The process for preparation of theseshells has been patented by DuPont (see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,024,826,5,512,094, and 5,545,250, and WO 94/24677) and licensed to Kobo. Poroussilica of this type may be prepared, for example, by coating a calciumcarbonate particle with silica. The carbonate is then leached out,leaving only the outer silica coating or shell. Such an outer coatingmay, for example, range from 0.04 microns to 0.08 microns thick. In oneembodiment, the silica shell particles may, for example, average 3microns in diameter. Due to their morphology and porous nature, thesilica shells may have a large surface area (e.g., 100 m²/g) and highoil absorption (e.g., 600 g of 70 cSt mineral oil per 100 g powder). Theshells may be thought of as “micron sized silica sponges.”

The oil absorption by the shells may result from absorption at at leastone of three locations: within the pores of the shell wall, within theinterior of the hollow ellipsoids, and between the individual particles.In one embodiment, the volume of the pores in the shell wall, which mayrange from 17 Angstroms to 3000 Angstroms, may be 0.2 cc/g, as measuredby nitrogen gas adsorption. In another embodiment, the volume of thehollow ellipsoids may be 3 cc/g. Of course, there is no requirement thatthe silica shells be uniform in size and, in fact, shells of varyingsizes may be used in a single formulation.

Another non-limiting example of one type of porous silica particles arespherical porous silica particles. A non-limiting example of one type ofspherical porous silica particles useful in the present invention isspherical microporous silica, such as SUNSPHERE, available from AGAChemicals, Inc. SUNSPHERE is spherical microporous silica (amorphoussilicon dioxide) and contains no crystalline silica.

SUNSPHERE having an oil absorption capacity of at least four times byweight their own weight are porous silica particles suitable for use inthe present invention. Due to their morphology and porous nature,suitable SUNSPHERE may, for example, have a large surface area (e.g.,700 m²/g), a high pore volume (e.g., 2 mL/g), and a large pore diameter(e.g., 300 Å).

While the porous silica particles may be any color, in one embodimentthey are available in the form of a white powder, which gives a whitecolor to formulations but may be transparent when rubbed on the skin andmay blend easily into either the water or oil phase, producing a stableemulsion that will not whiten the skin. The porous silica particles may,for example, be used over a large range of processing temperatures,e.g., from 0° C. to 120° C.

The porous silica particles may be uncoated, hydrophobically-coated orhydrophically-coated. However, the porous silica particles of thepresent invention do not include porous microspheres coated with aperfluorinated oil, a fluorinated silicone oil or a silicone gum. Theporous silica particles may be coated with metal oxides such astitanium, iron hydroxide, and iron oxide hydroxide (FeOOH) or withmetals such as silver. As used herein, “coated” means has undergone aprocess of surface-treatment prior to addition to a composition, i.e.,surface-treatment is not an in situ process. Like Attorney Docket No.:05725.0847-00 the uncoated shells, the coated particles may alsodisperse easily into water or oil. The FeOOH coated particles may havean orange to brown color, depending on the amount of FeOOH used. Ironoxide coated particles may be coated with oxides chosen from yellow,red, and black iron oxides. For example, the iron oxides may be preparedas iron oxide dispersions using iron oxides treated with isopropyltitanium triisostearate in isododecane or isohexadecane as the vehicles.However, the coated particles may, for example, have a somewhat loweroil absorption than the corresponding uncoated particles, depending onthe coating. Accordingly, only coated particles having an oil absorptioncapacity of at least four times by weight their own weight are withinthe scope of the present invention.

In one embodiment, the porous silica particles are not adsorbed with theat least one humectant, i.e., the porous silica particles are notpretreated, and thereby coated with, the at least one humectant. Inanother embodiment, the porous silica particles are adsorbed with atleast one humectant. In one embodiment, the porous silica particles arenot preloaded. In another embodiment, the porous silica particles arepreloaded, i.e., filled with a substance, such as water, a polymer, anoil, a humectant, or a moisturizer. However, in the case of preloadedporous silica particles, the inventive compositions further comprise atleast one component chosen from water and at least one humectant whichis not exclusively comprised within the porous silica particles prior toapplication to skin. That is, the inventive compositions are not“powder-to-liquid” compositions.

According to the present invention, the porous silica particles and theat least one humectant are present in the composition in a combinedamount effective to provide moisturization and oil absorption to theskin. When the inventive composition is on the skin, the porous silicaparticles may absorb, for example, at least one of water, alcohol, andother organic fluids such as sebum, and mineral oils. One of ordinaryskill in the art will recognize that the amount effective to providemoisturization and oil absorption to the skin of the porous silicaparticles and the at least one humectant will be dependent on, interalia, the amount of porous silica particles, the amount of the at leastone humectant, the oil absorption capacity of the porous silicaparticles, as well as the presence or absence of any components known inthe art to absorb oil, produce or comprise oil. For example, certainpigments may absorb oil.

Routine experiments for determining the combined amount effective toprovide moisturization and oil absorption to the skin of porous silicaparticles and of the at least one humectant which may be useful in thepractice of the invention include blot testing, as described in Example1, which determines the oil control of a composition;

the shine control test, as described in Example 2, which determineswhether a composition is capable of controlling shine on the skin wherethere is enough excess oil to cause untreated skin to have a “shiny”appearance; and the moisturization test, as described in Example 2,which tests the hydrating efficiency of a composition on the skin.

The porous silica particles may, in one embodiment, be present in theinventive composition in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 5% by weightrelative to the total weight of the composition, such as from 0.5% to 5%by weight. In another embodiment, the porous silica particles may bepresent in an amount ranging from 0.6% to 1.2% by weight relative to thetotal weight of the composition, such as from 1.0% to 1.2% by weight. Ina further embodiment, the porous silica particles are present in anamount greater than 0.6% by weight relative to the total weight of thecomposition. In yet another embodiment, the porous silica particles andthe at least one humectant are present in a combined amount effective toprovide both moisturization and shine control to the skin for at leasteight hours, such as up to eight hours.

Non-limiting examples of the at least one humectant include those listedon pages 1761, 1773 and 1774 of the CTFA International CosmeticIngredient Dictionary and Handbook, 8^(th) Ed. (2000). In oneembodiment, the at least one humectant may be chosen from glycerin,glycols, sodium hyaluronate, and sodium pyrrolidone carboxylic acid(sodium PCA). In another embodiment, the at least one humectant isglycerin.

The at least one humectant may, for example, be present in the inventivecomposition in an amount ranging from 0.001 % to 20% by weight relativeto the total weight of the composition. In another embodiment, the atleast one humectant may be present in an amount ranging from 1% to 10%by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, such as from2% to 4% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

The composition of the present invention may further comprise at leastone thickening agent. Non-limiting examples of the at least onethickening agent include those listed on pages 1810 to 1812 of the CTFAInternational Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook, 8^(th) Ed.(2000). The thickening agent may, for example, be chosen from syntheticthickening agents such as acrylic polymer derivatives. Non-limitingexamples of such acrylic polymer derivatives are acrylic acid polymerssold under the tradename CARBOPOL by B. F. Goodrich and acrylamidepolymers sold under the tradename SEPIGEL by SEPPIC. The at least onethickening agent, if present, may be present in the inventivecomposition in an amount ranging up to 20% relative to the total weightof the composition.

The inventive composition may further comprise at least one additivecommonly used in cosmetic and/or dermatological compositions.Non-limiting examples of the at least one additive include colorants,hydrating agents, vitamins, antiwrinkle agents, essential fatty acids,sunscreen agents, emollients, preserving agents, neutralizing agents,cosmetic and dermatological active agents, antioxidants, alcohols,plasticizing agents, and waxes. In one embodiment, the at least oneadditive is not a plasticizing agent. In another embodiment, the atleast one additive is not a wax. Another non-limiting example of theleast one additive is silicone compounds different from the at least onehumectant and from the at least one thickening agent. Non-limitingexamples of these silicone compounds include cyclopentasiloxane (e.g.,sold as DC 245 Fluid by Dow Corning) and a mixture of cyclopentasiloxaneand dimethiconol (e.g., sold as DC 1501 Fluid by Dow Corning). The atleast one additive, if present, may be present in the composition in anamount ranging up to 99% of the total weight of the composition.

As previously discussed, the inventive composition further comprises atleast 20% water. Water may be present in the composition in an amountranging up to 95% of the total weight of the composition. For example,in one embodiment, water is present in the aqueous composition in anamount greater than or equal to 20% by weight relative to the totalweight of the composition. In another embodiment, water is present inthe aqueous composition in an amount greater than or equal to 50% byweight relative to the total weight of the composition, such as greaterthan or equal to 75% by weight, and further such as greater than orequal to 85% by weight.

The presently claimed composition may, for example, be in the form of aliquid, a lotion, a cream, a paste, a gel, or a solid, and may, furtherfor example, be a pigmented, i.e., colored, composition, such as afoundation, a pre-makeup base, or an unpigmented composition. Further,the inventive composition may be a single emulsion (such as anoil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsion), a multiple emulsion (such as anoil-in-water-in-oil emulsion or a water-in-oil-in-water emulsion), or arigid or soft gel. In one embodiment, the composition of the inventionmay be an aqueous composition. In another embodiment, the compositionmay be an aqueous gel. Aqueous gels have the advantage of beingtransparent and non-greasy upon application. They are generally stablesystems and have a light feel on the skin.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, reactionconditions, and so forth used herein are to be understood as beingmodified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unlessindicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in thespecification herein and in the attached claims are approximations thatmay vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained bythe present invention. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limitthe application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of theclaims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in lightof the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinaryrounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges andparameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention areapproximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examplesare reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however,inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from thestandard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

EXAMPLES Example 1

Oil Control

The following oil control gel foundation containing 0.5% silica shells,Composition A, was prepared: Components of Composition A Weight PercentWater 65.9698 Silicones 12.50 Pigments 9.0002 Glycerin 3.00 Thickenersand Preservatives 4.00 Glycol 2.00 Fillers 1.85 Preservative 0.80 SILICASHELLS 0.50 Vitamins 0.38 Total 100.00I. Preparation of Composition A

Water, glycerin, preservatives, water soluble vitamins, thickeners andglycol were each individually added to a mixing vessel and mixed untiluniform to form a water phase. Silicones and an oil-soluble vitamin werecombined to form an oil phase. A pigment grind was prepared and wasadded to the oil phase with mixing until uniform. The oil phase and thewater phase were combined to form an emulsion. The fillers and silicashells were then added to the emulsion and mixed until uniform.

II. Oil Control

Composition A was tested to determine whether a product containing 0.5%silica shells was able to control oil on the skin two hours afterapplication, using blotting paper to determine oil absorption. “Oilcontrol,” as defined above, refers to the reduction or elimination ofthe amount of oil on the skin. The average temperature for the tests wasabout 73.4° F. and the average relative humidity was about 66.0%.

A. Test Procedure

Twenty-five panelists having normal-to-oily skin participated in thetests. The test procedure was as follows:

-   -   1. The forehead of each panelist was cleaned with an oil-free,        alcohol-free makeup remover and allowed to air dry for 5        minutes.    -   2. An oil-absorbing blotting paper was blotted over the entire        forehead of each panelist to determine the baseline amount of        oil present, if any. The center and left and right sides of the        paper were labeled.    -   3. 0.2 ml of the composition being tested was applied and spread        with a makeup sponge, on the right or left side of the forehead        according to a randomization code. The other side of the        forehead remained untreated (control).    -   4. After two hours, the forehead was blotted with a second        oil-absorbing blotting paper of the same type used for the        baseline test in step 2 (the first blotting paper) the amount of        oil present on the forehead in the same manner as in step 2. The        center and left and right sides of the paper were labeled.    -   5. The two blotting papers were then taped onto a piece black        paper. The black paper with blotting papers attached was then        scanned into a computer using a standard, commercially-available        scanner. The computerized image was manipulated (i.e.,        brightness and contrast adjusted and the image magnified) in        order to facilitate observation of the amount of oil on the        blotting papers.    -   6. The amount of oil on each half of a single blotting paper was        visually evaluated and rated according to a seven point scale        ranging from 0.0 to 3.0 (i.e., by 0.5 increments) where 0.0=no        oil absorbed, 1.5=more than a slight amount but less than a        moderate amount of oil absorbed, and 3.0=large amount of oil        absorbed.    -   7. A Wilcoxon Signed Rank test was used to compare treated and        untreated ratings at baseline and two hours following        application of the product being tested. The statistical        significance level was set at p-Value≦0.05.

B. Results. Comparison of Scores from the Evaluation of Blotter Paper:Untreated (Control) Sites vs. Treated Sites (Median (25%-75%)) UntreatedTime Period (Control) (Hours) Sites Treated Sites p-Value Baseline (0)0.0 0.0 1.000 (0.0-0.0) (0.0-0.0) Two Hours 1.5 1.0 0.002 (1.0-2.0)(0.9-1.5)

The sites treated with the inventive composition comprising 0.5% silicashells were statistically significantly less oily than the untreated(control) sites 2 hours after application.

Example 2

Shine Control and Moisturization

The following six compositions were prepared:

-   -   Composition B—Carbopol-based gel make up base containing no        silica shells    -   Composition C—Carbopol-based gel make up base containing 0.6%        silica shells    -   Composition D—Carbopol-based gel make up base containing 1.2%        silica shells    -   Composition E—Sepigel-based clear water make up base containing        no silica shells    -   Composition F—Sepigel-based gel make up base containing 0.6%        silica shells    -   Composition G—Sepigel-based gel make up base containing 1.0%        silica shells

All amounts are in percentage by weight.

Table 1: Compositions B-G TABLE 1 Compositions B-G COMPO- SITION B C D EF G Water 81.15 80.55 79.95 85.35 84.75 84.35 Glycerin 3.00 3.00 3.003.00 3.00 3.00 Preservatives 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 Thickener0.90 0.90 0.90 7.00 7.00 7.00 Solvent 5.00 5.00 5.00 — — — Silicones3.50 3.50 3.50 3.50 3.50 3.50 Vitamin 0.35 0.35 0.35 0.35 0.35 0.35Water 4.70 4.70 4.70 — — — (deionized) Neutralizing 0.60 0.60 0.60 — — —agent SILICA — 0.60 1.20 — 0.60 1.00 SHELLS TOTAL 100.00 100.00 100.00100.00 100.00 100.00I. Preparation of Compositions B-G:Compositions B-D:

Water was added to a kettle and heated. The thickeners, preservatives,vitamins, and solvent were each individually added to the water, andeach was mixed until the resultant mixture was fully uniform. Theremaining ingredients were added to the kettle and mixed until uniform.

Compositions E-G:

Water, glycerin, vitamins, and preservatives were added to a kettle andmixed until uniform. The thickeners were then added to the kettle andmixed until uniform. The remaining ingredients were added to the kettleand mixed until uniform.

II. Shine Control

Compositions B through G were tested to determine whether each productwas able to control shine on the skin two, four and eight hours afterapplication, using a Minolta Multi-Gloss 268 Gloss Meter. “Shinecontrol,” as defined above, refers to the reduction or elimination ofthe amount of oil on the skin where there is enough excess oil to causeuntreated skin to have a “shiny” appearance. The average temperature forthe six sets of tests was about 70.2° F. and the average relativehumidity was about 58.85%.

A. Test Procedure

The test procedure was as follows:

-   -   1. The forehead of each panelist was cleaned with an oil-free,        alcohol-free makeup remover and allowed to air dry for 5        minutes.    -   2. The gloss meter was calibrated and used according to the        manufacturer's manual. The geometry mode of 60° was used to        obtain the readings. The measurement aperture was placed against        the test sites in a vertical position with the illumination        originating from the upper part of the unit (closer to the top        of the head of the panelist).    -   3. Baseline measurements were performed on marked sites on each        side of the forehead: the “flattest” region of the forehead,        which in general was closer to the middle, was chosen as the        measurement site. Three measurements were taken at each site and        the average of these three measurements on each site was        computed for use in data analysis.    -   4. 0.2 ml of the product being tested was applied and spread        with a makeup sponge, on the right or left side of the forehead        according to a randomization code. The other side of the        forehead remained untreated (control).    -   5. Gloss meter measurements were taken on the test sites, as in        Steps 2 and 3 above, at 2, 4, and 8 hours after product        application.    -   6. The averages of the three readings per site per panelist were        analyzed according to standard statistical methods.        B. Results

Composition B: 30 panelists. No statistically significant differencesbetween the untreated (control) sites and the treated sites at 2, 4, or8 hours after application. In other words, the product did not controlshine at all.

Composition C: 30 panelists. The treated sites were not statisticallysignificantly less shiny than the untreated (control) sites 2, 4, or 8hours after application.

Composition D: 15 panelists. The treated sites were statisticallysignificantly less shiny than the untreated (control) sites 2 and 8hours after application. The treated sites were also less shiny than theuntreated control sites 4 hours after application, although thisdifference was not statistically significant. This data suggests thatthe sample size may not have been large enough to detect a statisticallysignificant change at 4 hours.

Composition E: 30 panelists. No statistically significant differencesbetween the shine of the untreated (control) sites and the treated sitesat 2, 4, or 8 hours after application.

Composition F: 30 panelists. The treated sites were not statisticallysignificantly less shiny than the untreated (control) sites 2, 4, or 8hours after application.

Composition G: 34 panelists. The treated sites were statisticallysignificantly less shiny than the untreated (control) sites 2, 4, and 8hours after application.

III. Moisturization

Compositions B through G were tested to determine the hydratingefficiency of each product on the skin two, four and eight hours afterapplication using Corneometer CM820 (Courage & Khazaka). As definedabove, “moisturizing” refers to hydrating the skin and also retainingmoisture in the skin. The average temperature for the six sets of testswas about 70.4° F. and the average relative humidity was about 45.5%.

A. Test Procedure

The test procedure was as follows:

-   -   1. A randomization schedule was followed and the initial        baseline hydration measurements on all sites (positive control,        untreated control and product site) on the inner ulnar forearm        of each panelist were taken using the Corneometer CM820.    -   2. Following the randomization schedule, a site on the ulnar        forearm was either left untreated, treated with a positive        control or treated with an amount of product being tested equal        to about 2 mg/cm². For liquid-like products, a micropipettor was        used to draw 10 μl of the composition. For thicker compositions,        the appropriate amount was weighed using a microbalance. The        product was spread onto the test panelists' forearms using a        glass rod.    -   3. Hydration measurements were taken on the sites, as above, at        2, 4 and 8 hours after product application.    -   4. The hydration measurements of the treated area were compared        with those of the untreated area.        B. Results

For all six compositions, composition B (comparative, 25 panelists),composition C (comparative, 25 panelists), composition D (inventive, 27panelists), composition E (comparative, 25 panelists), composition F.(comparative, 27 panelists) and composition G (inventive, 27 panelists),the product was found to statistically significantly hydrate the skin 2,4, and 8 hours after application compared to the untreated control. Thepositive control also statistically significantly hydrated the skin 2,4, and 8 hours after application compared to the untreated control.

Summary of Results from Example 2 COMPOSITION B C D E F G Shine ControlNO NO YES NO NO YES for 2, 4, 8 hrs Moisturization YES YES YES YES YESYES for 2, 4, 8, hrs

1. An aqueous composition for the skin comprising: (a) porous silicaparticles having an oil absorption capacity of at least four times byweight their own weight; (b) at least one humectant; and (c) at least20% water, wherein said porous silica particles and said at least onehumectant are present in said composition in a combined amount effectiveto provide moisturization and oil absorption to the skin.
 2. Acomposition according to claim 1, wherein said composition is an aqueousgel.
 3. A composition according to claim 1, wherein said porous silicaparticles are hollow ellipsoids of silica.
 4. A composition according toclaim 1, wherein said porous silica particles are spherical poroussilica particles.
 5. A composition according to claim 1, wherein saidporous silica particles have an oil absorption capacity of at least fivetimes by weight their own weight.
 6. A composition according to claim 1,wherein said porous silica particles have an oil absorption capacity ofat least six times by weight their own weight.
 7. A compositionaccording to claim 1, wherein said porous silica particles have an oilabsorption capacity of at least seven times by weight their own weight.8. A composition according to claim 1, wherein said porous silicaparticles are present in said composition in an amount ranging from 0.5%to 5% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.
 9. Acomposition according to claim 8, wherein said porous silica particlesare present in said composition in an amount of 0.6% to 1.2% by weightrelative to the total weight of the composition.
 10. A compositionaccording to claim 9 wherein said porous silica particles are present insaid composition in an amount of 1.0% to 1.2% by weight relative to thetotal weight of the composition.
 11. A composition according to claim10, wherein said porous silica particles are present in said compositionin an amount greater than 0.6% by weight relative to the total weight ofthe composition.
 12. A composition according to claim 1, wherein said atleast one humectant is chosen from glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, sodiumPCA.
 13. A composition according to claim 12, wherein said at least onehumectant is glycerin.
 14. A composition according to claim 1, whereinsaid at least one humectant is present in said composition in an amountranging from 0.001% to 20% relative to the total weight of thecomposition.
 15. A composition according to claim 14, wherein said atleast one humectant is present in said composition in an amount rangingfrom 1% to 10% relative to the total weight of the composition.
 16. Acomposition according to claim 15, wherein said at least one humectantis present in said composition in an amount ranging from 2% to 4%relative to the total weight of the composition.
 17. A compositionaccording to claim 1, further comprising at least one thickening agent.18. A composition according to claim 17, wherein said at least onethickening agent is chosen from acrylic acid polymers and acrylamidepolymers.
 19. A composition according to claim 17, wherein said at leastone thickening agent is present in said composition in an amount rangingfrom 0% to 20% relative to the total weight of the composition.
 20. Acomposition according to claim 1, wherein said porous silica particlesand said at least one humectant are present in said composition in acombined amount effective to provide both moisturization and oil controlto the skin.
 21. A composition according to claim 1, wherein said poroussilica particles and said at least one humectant are present in saidcomposition in a combined amount effective to provide bothmoisturization and shine control to the skin.
 22. A compositionaccording to claim 21, wherein said porous silica particles and said atleast one humectant are present in said composition in a combined amounteffective to provide both moisturization and shine control to the skinfor up to eight hours.
 23. A composition according to claim 1, whereinsaid water is present in an amount greater than 20% by weight relativeto the total weight of said composition.
 24. A composition according toclaim 1, wherein said water is present in an amount greater than orequal to 50% by weight relative to the total weight of said composition.25. A composition according to claim 1, further comprising at least oneadditive chosen from silicone compounds different from said at least onehumectant and from said at least one thickening agent, colorants,hydrating agents, vitamins, antiwrinkle agents, essential fatty acids,sunscreen agents, emollients, preserving agents, neutralizing agents,cosmetic active agents, dermatological active agents, antioxidants, andalcohols.
 26. A composition according to claim 1, wherein saidcomposition is a single emulsion, a multiple emulsion, or a gel.
 27. Anaqueous composition for the skin comprising: (a) porous silica particleshaving an oil absorption capacity of at least four times by weight theirown weight; (b) at least one humectant; and (c) at least 20% water;wherein said porous silica particles and said at least one humectant arepresent in said composition in a combined amount effective to providemoisturization and oil control to the skin.
 28. An aqueous compositionfor the skin comprising: (a) porous silica particles having an oilabsorption capacity of at least four times by weight their own weight;(b) at least one humectant; and (c) at least 20% water; wherein saidporous silica particles and said at least one humectant are present insaid composition in a combined amount effective to providemoisturization and shine control to the skin.
 29. A method for providingmoisturization and oil absorption to skin comprising applying to theskin an aqueous composition comprising porous silica particles having anoil absorption capacity of at least four times by weight their ownweight, at least one humectant, and at least 20% water, wherein saidporous silica particles and said at least one humectant are present insaid composition in a combined amount effective to providemoisturization and oil absorption to the skin.
 30. A method according toclaim 29, wherein said composition is an aqueous gel.
 31. A methodaccording to claim 29, wherein said porous silica particles are hollowellipsoids of silica.
 32. A method according to claim 29, wherein saidporous silica particles are spherical porous silica particles.
 33. Amethod according to claim 29, wherein said porous silica particles havean oil absorption capacity of at least five times by weight their ownweight.
 34. A method according to claim 29, wherein said porous silicaparticles have an oil absorption capacity of at least six times byweight their own weight.
 35. A method according to claim 29, whereinsaid porous silica particles have an oil absorption capacity of at leastseven times by weight their own weight.
 36. A method according to claim29, wherein said porous silica particles are present in said compositionin an amount ranging from 0.5% to 5% by weight relative to the totalweight of the composition.
 37. A method according to claim 36, whereinsaid porous silica particles are present in said composition in anamount of 0.6% to 1.2% by weight relative to the total weight of thecomposition.
 38. A method according to claim 37, wherein said poroussilica particles are present in said composition in an amount of 1.0% to1.2% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.
 39. Amethod according to claim 29, wherein said porous silica particles arepresent in said composition in an amount greater than 0.6% by weightrelative to the total weight of the composition.
 40. A method accordingto claim 29, wherein said at least one humectant is chosen fromglycerin, sodium hyaluronate, sodium PCA.
 41. A method according toclaim 40, wherein said at least one humectant is glycerin.
 42. A methodaccording to claim 29, wherein said at least one humectant is present insaid composition in an amount ranging from 0.001 % to 20% relative tothe total weight of the composition.
 43. A method according to claim 42,wherein said at least one humectant is present in said composition in anamount ranging from 1% to 10% relative to the total weight of thecomposition.
 44. A method according to claim 43, wherein said at leastone humectant is present in said composition in an amount ranging from2% to 4% relative to the total weight of the composition.
 45. A methodaccording to claim 29, wherein said composition further comprises atleast one thickening agent.
 46. A method according to claim 45, whereinsaid at least one thickening agent is chosen from acrylic acid polymersand acrylamide polymers.
 47. A method according to claim 45, whereinsaid at least one thickening agent is present in said composition in anamount ranging from 0% to 20% relative to the total weight of thecomposition.
 48. A method according to claim 29, wherein, in saidcomposition, said porous silica particles and said at least onehumectant are present in said composition in a combined amount effectiveto provide both moisturization and oil control to the skin.
 49. A methodaccording to claim 29, wherein, in said composition, said porous silicaparticles and said at least one humectant are present in saidcomposition in a combined amount effective to provide bothmoisturization and shine control to the skin.
 50. A method according toclaim 49, wherein, in said composition, said porous silica particles andsaid at least one humectant are present in said composition in acombined amount effective to provide both moisturization and shinecontrol to the skin for up to eight hours.
 51. A method according toclaim 29, wherein said composition further comprises at least oneadditive chosen from silicone compounds different from said at least onehumectant and from said at least one thickening agent, colorants,hydrating agents, vitamins, antiwrinkle agents, essential fatty acids,sunscreen agents, emollients, preserving agents, neutralizing agents,cosmetic active agents, dermatological active agents, antioxidants, andalcohols.
 52. A method according to claim 29, wherein said compositionis a single emulsion, a multiple emulsion, or a gel.
 53. A method forproviding moisturization and oil control to skin comprising applying tothe skin a composition comprising porous silica particles, at least onehumectant, and at least 20% water, wherein said porous silica particlesand said at least one humectant are present in said composition in acombined amount effective to provide moisturization and oil control tothe skin.
 54. A method for providing moisturization and shine control toskin comprising applying to the skin a composition comprising poroussilica particles, at least one humectant, and at least 20% water,wherein said porous silica particles and said at least one humectant arepresent in said composition in a combined amount effective to providemoisturization and shine control to the skin.